A national competition in four stages. Open to all students — cohort graduates get one advantage at entry.
"One advantage. Priority review in Phase 1. After that — may the best builder win."
Everyone applies. 48-hour build challenge. Cohort students get priority review — that is it.
Shortlisted teams. 1-week build and submit. Equal footing, no special treatment.
Live demo to judges. All teams on equal footing. The best product advances.
National stage. Real judges. Live build and pitch. The final showdown.
Top teams win real prize money. Announced at the start of each buildathon cycle.
Winning teams get direct referrals and interviews with companies in the LiftUp hiring network.
Exceptional performers and winners may receive pre-placement offers from partner startups and enterprises.
The jury panel for the Grand Buildathon is composed of practicing engineers, product leaders, and startup founders.
Senior engineers and product managers from established companies who evaluate technical depth, product thinking, and delivery quality.
Early-stage and growth-stage founders who assess market viability, execution speed, and the potential for real-world deployment.